Birthroot

• Botanical Name(s): Trillium Pendulum

• Popular Name(s): Indian Shamrock, Birthroot, Lamb's Quarters, Wake-Robin, Indian Balm, Ground Lily

• Parts Used: The root, rhizome and leaves

• Habitat: Beth root is found in Middle and Western United States.

Description: Beth root is a perennial herb with an erect stem which gains a height from 10 to 15 inches. The plant bears a whorl of three round-ovate, acuminate leaves. Its flowers appear in May and June and are yellow-white to reddish-white in colour.

Uses: Beth root has antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic properties. It is used as an emmenagogue, expectorant and tonic. Its leaves are used to cure ulcers and tumours. The roots are effective in curing diarrhoea and dysentery.Trillium goes by several names. The origins of some, such as "bethroot" and "wake robin", are not well known. The word "trillium" is related to the word for "three" in Latin, Greek, and other languages, corresponding to the plant's three leaves. Perhaps "wake robin" comes from the red color of certain species, or perhaps because the flower blooms in spring when robins abound. The nickname" Stinking Benjamin" derives from the distinctive and unpleasant odor of the flower, which is likened to the smell of rotting meat. Whatever the plant's name, Native Americans from throughout the continent made tea from trillium or boiled the greens to eat. Trillium was also a charm to foretell love, to detect witchcraft, to protect the teeth, and give general good luck.

The name "birthroot" (trillium) signals the most famous use of this plant. Native Americans and European settlers in North America used trillium to help with the labor of childbirth. Other gynecologically related symptoms trillium was used to relieve included menstrual problems, sore nipples, and discomforts of menopause. Trillium is still employed for many of these same symptoms, as well as for bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. Trillium was also used internally for bowel complaints and externally for headaches, sunburn, acne, and boils. Trillium contains the saponin trillin, tannin, and some essential oil.

Trillium is a valuable remedy for heavy menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding, helping to reduce blood flow. Trillium is also used to treat bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. Trillium may also be taken for bleeding within the urinary tubules and, less often, for the coughing up of blood. Trillium remains a valuable herb in facilitating childbirth. A douche of trillium is useful for excessive vaginal discharge and yeast infections.